#soNCsavvy Savors the new Summer Menu @RyeRaleigh #RyeRaleigh @DowntownRaleigh~Recap by SobeSavvy.com

July 30, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Summertime and the living is easy …..and the eating is good at RYE BAR & SOUTHERN KITCHEN !

I headed over there recently to sample their new seasonal summer menu. I wanted to see and taste what all the Buzz is about ( especially since they harvest their own honey from the beehive on the rooftop garden) !

Southern Comfort Cuisine with a sophisticated twist. Fresh real ingredients at their best. Although located inside a big hotel this is not, I repeat NOT a typical boring “hotel” restaurant. Executive Chef {and General Manager} Mike Rigot has really elevated food that good for the soul by using fresh quality ingredients. The term, Farm-To Table is such a overused catch phrase nowadays but Rye takes that term very seriously. Chef Mike told me they source as much as possible and viable from local NC farmers. Supplier listings on their menu attest to their dedication to local sourcing. From local beef and vegetables to local ingredients for their superb craft cocktail menu.

They also have an extensive Bourbon and Whiskey menu {Hence the name Rye}.

I went on a Tuesday evening for an early dinner with my family. The multiple wooden rocking chairs out front told me this was a special place. We entered into a very stylish and modern restaurant. But modern often means cold and aloof. Not here. Warm hardwoods and an open floor plan include a fireplace and handsome bar area. There is a private section in the rear for events but also a few huge tables adjacent to the kitchen where foodies can watch the ballet, which is what I call their kitchen operation. Although there for dinner , I saw that they have a popular lunch menu where you get a meat and 3 sides and a beverage for $10. Yup, $10 for REAL food for lunch. The lunch menu is placed on the sidewalk outside where the meat choice changes daily.

Water was served in mason jars. NOTHING says the south like a mason jar! It just makes me smile. We started off with two great cocktails : Southern Sour and Hammocks Calling. Both were unique and delicious. I even observed the bartender using farm fresh rasberries. First to arrive at our beautiful solid wood table were the shrimp and grits. They were heaven sent ! I absolutely loved the flavor. Grits made to perfection and the sauce/gravy was subtle perfection. The Ceasars salad wedge is uniquely presented with bacon. I was pleased with the portions of everything, especially the entree of the ribs marinated in Cherrywine. Picked them up and the meat fell off. THAT is what I call ribs ! The grilled Chicken with carrots and goat cheese was also incredible. ANYTHING with goat cheese is a must in my book. Ps..no dinner is complete without something sweet. We had the banana pudding and authentic Strawberry Shortcake for dessert! If it is real food with superb service and atmosphere you seek, then it is now found. At Rye. You can thank me now!

Enjoy my slideshow and photos from this delicious dining experience.
https://instagram.com/p/5zPLFBCXG5/

DREAMGIRLS Dazzles! @TheatreRaleigh #trdreamgirls~ Review by SobeSavvy.Com #soNCsavvy

July 25, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Catch the dream when Theatre Raleigh presents Dreamgirls at Kennedy Theatre on July 8-26 (July 8 Preview Night, July 9 Opening Night). Don’t miss this amazing production and the next installment of the Hot Summer Nights series.

Tickets are on-sale now- $27 for adults, $25 for seniors/students/military. You can purchase at http://www.theatreraleigh.com
Group discounts are available and can be purchased at Theatre Raleigh Box Office:919-832-9997
“What an undertaking!!! But I’m beyond thrilled to be directing our biggest show to date, along side a terrific team including Broadway dancer and our choreographer Abbey O’Brien,” said Director, Lauren Kennedy. ‘We are downsizing the cast but it will feel like we are busting the 133 seat Kennedy Theatre wide open and raising the roof with these 18 actors singing to the rafters.”

Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, the sensational Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s girl singing group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. A young female singing trio from Chicago, Effie (Brittany Walters), Deena (Alexis Sims) and Lorrell (Dorian McCorey) get their big break at an amateur competition and begin singing backup vocals for James “Thunder” Early (Christian Thompson). However, things begin to spin out of control when their agent, Curtis Taylor, Jr.(Lawrence Street), makes Deena and not Effie, the star of what will become known as “The Dreams.” With music by Academy® Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony® and Grammy® Award winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and “One Night Only”. This Tony® and Academy® Award winning musical sparkles like never before!

EVERYONE in this production puts on a stellar performance. Brittany Walters, as Effie and Christian Thompson, as Jimmy are the soul of the show.

The size of the theatre compliments the play to perfection. Intimacy is often lost in huge broadway or arena size productions, not so here. The sheer physical proximity to the actors lends to itself an authenticity that is missing from far too many big productions.

You have two more nights to catch Dreamgirls. Get your tickets NOW !!

Cast

Brittany Walters – Effie

Alexis Sims – Deena

Dorian McCorey – Lorrell

Destiny Diamond – Michele

Christian Thompson – Jimmy

Jade Arnold – CC

Lawrence Street – Curtis

Gil Faison – Marty

Ben Pluska – Dave/Security Guard

Ahmad Ratliff – Ensemble

Josh Walker – Ensemble

Shaun-Avery Williams – Ensemble

Michael Blake – Ensemble

Sherida McMullan – Ensemble

Terra Hodge – Ensemble

Leilani Carr – Ensemble

Meagan Chieppor – Sweethearts

Lisette Glodowski – Sweethearts

Crew

Director – Lauren Kennedy

Stage Manager – Christine Scardino

Choreographer – Abbey O’Brien

Music Director – Bryan Pheobus

Rehearsal Pianist – Lori Anderson

Scenic Design – Chris Bernier

Lighting Design – Thomas Mauney

Costume/Properties Design – Denise Schumaker

Sound Design – Eric Collins

Assistant to the Director – John Ravenscraft

Assistant Choreographer – Lisette Glodowski

Hair and Makeup Mistress – Joyce Hawkins

Sound Intern – Alex Bainbridge

Spot Op #1 – Joanna Mills

Spot Op #2 – Jamella Chantal

Wardrobe #1 – Emily Johns

Wardrobe #2 – Sophie Raymer

PA #1 – Dustin Walker

PA #2 – Kimberly Fiorentino
Remaining 2015 Hot Summer Nights Season:

Sleuth (Kennedy Theatre): August 5-16

Carousel- In Concert (Fletcher Theatre): August 27-30

###
About Theatre Raleigh

The mission of Theatre Raleigh, Inc. is to produce work with an artistic scope that includes musical theatre, drama, comedy, concerts, theatre for young audiences, as well as the development of new theatrical projects. Theatre Raleigh, Inc. will nurture a tradition of intimate, professional live performances while enhancing, stimulating and providing opportunities to our community, thus contributing to its vitality.
Theatre Raleigh, Inc. is the umbrella institution under which the Hot Summer Nights Series, along with a planned Theatre for the Young Series and Backstage at the Kennedy Music Series, operates with the goal of providing audiences diverse programming in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information please go to http://www.theatreraleigh.com.

#soNCsavvy Celebrates #BastilleDay @SimplyCrepes @LafayetteVil ~Recap by #SobeSavvy .com !

July 14, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Are you looking for a place to celebrate the storming of Bastille and toast to French Independence? Then head over to one of my favorite french restaurants in the Triangle, Simply Crepes !

Located in North Raleigh’s quaint European-style village known as Lafayette Village, Simply Crepes serves unique and delicious crepes for breakfast, lunch and dinner ! This full service restaurant with 3 family owned locations is committed to giving patrons a quality dining experience in a relaxed and cozy environment, with a menu full of fresh, local, homemade ingredients. Per the Héroux family, you can expect a premium handcrafted experience that stems directly from co-founder, Karen Heroux, herself! The décor reminded me of a countryside home I once spent time in St Tropez, France.

In honor of the Fete Nationale, I ordered the French Kiss cocktail. Hubby got a glass of Vouvray white wine. We started with the Onion Soup Gratinee and my daughter had a small cup of the Creamy tomato Basil Soup. We all are soup lovers and we all loved the soups ! The cheese on the French Onion was superb. Also the red pepper hummus was delish. Our server Rebecca was very knowledgeable and more importantly our 4 yr old liked her ! We tried 3 of their main crepe entrees:Turkey and Smoked Gouda Cheese Crêpe*, Chicken Tarragon Crêpe and the Seafood Crêpe.

All 3 are unique unto themselves. All had varying flavor profiles which are reflected in their names. However what they all had in common was a superb, thin and light airy crepe encasing the interior goodness. I asked Rebecca about the crepe batter recipe and she advised it is a proprietory recipe that is held close to the vest. Having lived in Paris, I can attest that these crepes can hold their own against anything I have had on the banks of The River Seine. The young lady making the crepes was very confidant and competent in the artistry of crepemaking. Although we were full we could not depart before trying a few dessert crepes. We tried the Berries and Crème Crêpe.. It is described as “Crème brulée cream with freshly cut strawberries & blueberries. Finished with our fresh fruit sauces and whipped cream”…It was heaven. Hubby had to have the Oreo® Cookie Crumble Crêpe. It was exactly how you would imagine it and as a bonus it was filled with vanilla bean ice cream !! WOW.WOW.WOW.

My little one enjoyed a cup of creamy hot chocolate. Rebecca brought her crayons and a coloring sheet so Simply Crepes is more than welcoming for families and couples out on a causal romantic date. Want to go to Quebec or Paris without getting your passport stamped ? Than go over to Simply Crepes in Lafayette Village. You will leave with a smile on your face.

Raise your glass, head to Simply Crepes and join SobeSavvy.com in saying : Viva La France ! Enjoy these photos and slideshow from this magnifique dining experience !
https://instagram.com/p/5Hr2UEiXN_/

Ready, Set, CRACK ! @PhillipsSeafood #phillipsseafood

July 10, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Ready Set ..CRACK..with those 3 words we commenced being the origin of the sweetest sound in the world. The cracking of the crabs. Not just any crabs, but the world famous Chesapeake Bay Blue crabs. Where was all this cracking taking place you ask? At the world famous Phillips Seafood restaurant at The Power Plant in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor http://www.phillipsseafood.com/locations-and-menus/baltimore

This venerable mainstay has been serving up the crustaceans at the Inner Harbor for over 30 years. First at the original Harborplace pavillion, now they are right on the other side of the Inner Harbor at 601 E.Pratt Street. It was a beautiful warm summer afternoon when we arrived. Diners can choose to sit inside for a full service restaurant experience or sit on their amazing outdoor section on a actual pier that juts out from the mainland. This section is for a unique steamed seafood al fresco experience. We also witnessed their curbside delivery service of large crab orders ! We chose to sit outside.

On the pier they actually have full size commercial steamers where your order is steamed fresh. I’m talking mussels, clams, shrimp and of course the star of the show..CRABS !! Our server Jeanette was affable and bevy of information. She has been with the Phillips family for a number of years. I say “family” because Phillips is still family owned. But more importantly I say family, because Jeanette advised that is how they treat their employees. In a world where employees feel neglected and treated as a simple commodity she said they not only recognize their employees for superior work but they also do annual events for the employees as well. Phillips knows that a company with happy employees is a company that succeeds.

We started with some cocktails. We tried their award winning Bloody Mary and also the Blue Margarita. Both we incredible. Now on to the food !

First up were the steamed mussels pot. Large and perfectly steamed. They came with farm fresh corn and potatoes. Next up was the crab mac and cheese and jumbo pure lump crab cakes. All jumbo lump, no filler. both were incredible. The cheese and crab combo was sublime. The crab cake was incredibly delicious!

All of a sudden a steaming hot paper bag showed up on our table. It could only mean one thing..CRAB TIME !! We unceremoniously dumped them out on the classic paper wrapped table tops. The unmistaken pungent goodness that “smells like Baltimore” filled the air. Heaven had arrived. Although I am a native Baltimorean I had Jeanette show us step by step how a blue crab is taken apart. It is second nature to those of us born here but to the novice it can be quite intimidating and confusing. She obliged nicely and the pics show each step! Dessert was offered but who I am kidding , there was room for none. We left Phillips smiling as if in love again for the first time. I may no longer live in Baltimore, but thanks to Phillips, Baltimore will always live in me.

Next time in Charm City, go to Phillips and tell em’ SOBESAVVY.COM sent ya !

Enjoy the pics of that great afternoon.

Enjoy this photo slideshow from my delicious dining experience !

https://instagram.com/p/49eodviXOA/

Photographs of @Cirque in #Baltimore ! Sneak Peek #varekai #cirquedusoleil @MdScienceCenter @PhillipsSeafood

July 9, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

It’s Cirque time in Baltimore!!

Ten years after Cirque du Soleil Varekai debuted in Baltimore under the Big Top, it’s back from Wednesday, July 8 to Sunday, July 12 at the Royal Farms Arena.

On Tuesday July 7, 2015 Cirque du Soleil invaded Downtown Baltimore for some fun around town photo ops.
SobeSavvy.Com was there to experience the excitement with the characters and snap some photographs at the sneak peek events!

WHERE: Maryland Science Center &
Phillips Seafood Restaurant (Baltimore)

WHAT: Special blogger and media meet & greet at the Maryland Science Center with the publicist and two characters (including Skywatcher, the mad scientist and ingenious inventor) from the show! Afterwards, Cirque du Soleil Varekai gets a Taste of Baltimore Phillips Seafood Restaurant.

It was a great opportunity to learn more about the show and get some personal time as well as awesome photos with the characters!!

Public guests received ticket discounts and a chance to win a family four pack of tickets for the Wednesday showing.

Enjoy these photgraphs/videos from the events and check back here for my #soDMVsavvy recap of Opening Night performance of Cirque du Soleil Varekai !

https://instagram.com/p/41qgySiXGz/

https://instagram.com/p/411xepCXM6/

Hey #Raleigh! Eat,Drink,Play & Get on my Level at @LevelUpNC ~ A #soNCsavvy review now on SobeSavvy.com

July 8, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Look up in the sky ..it’s a bar..it’s a restaurant..it’s an arcade..it’s Level Up !

Level Up is a unique place..Is it a bar? Is it a restaurant ? Is it a old school video arcade ? It is all three ! The atmosphere will transport you back to the 80’s but the food/drinks will take you back to the future! Located downtown Raleigh, this place is a fun place to hang, play your favorite 1980’s arcade games, watch sports on one of the many flat screens or see one of the classic 80’s movies. Now that we ‘ve established that one can be entertained..let’s talk about the food and drink.
I met the mixologist extradornaire, Johnny who was very polite and passionate about his craft cocktails. He is the main cocktail curator. Johnny advised that it’s a seasonal cocktail menu and it will change somewhat when the weather changes.

There are some variations of all time favorites and also some very unique choices. I enjoyed the Code Blue and Skywalker. Made with top notch ingredients and real fresh fruit. Both were awesome cocktails.Because it was my first time, I polled the staff on what we’re some of the menu faves. Hands down..the Yoshi eggs came highly recommended and did not disappoint. These are not your basic deviled eggs..definitely a level above the rest.

They also elevate tator tots with 4 dipping sauce choices. Their gourmet tacos were out of this world good. The Ahi Tuna was a nice surprise that worked well. The Pork ribs are dusted with sesame seeds and served with house made slaw using brussel sprouts. A knockout ! As the pictures below can attest this is not ordinary “bar” food. All ingredients are fresh wonderful flavors and tasty. I ordered a variety of other things and definitely will be returning with friends ! So if you ever wondered want a great time with good food and fun than elevate your bar scene to another level. Level up.

Check out my photo slideshow from my visit : https://instagram.com/p/40RZuNiXET/

#soNCsavvy Recaps @LQRaleigh “Latin Jazz and Dinner”, part of @raleighfoodwine Festival! #RFWF #raleigh #event

June 29, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

If enjoying Latin Jazz, good creative cuisine that all takes place in a inviting and colorful atmosphere sounds like a recipe for a great night to you than you are in luck. Raleigh’s Latin Quarter restaurant and lounge http://latinquartersnc.com/ on Six Forks road has them all. My family and I had the pleasure of attending their special event dinner. This dinner was a part of the 2015 Raleigh Food and Wine Festival http://www.raleighfoodandwine.com this past Friday. The facade of the restaurant is adorned in bright beautiful wall murals. Inside you will find portraits of famous celebrities of latin descent. Unique décor indeed.

Chef Anthony Alvarez prepared a special three course meal from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico and paired the meal with a Malbec and Chardonnay. While pondering the special menu, a great latin jazz band named Jazziando did their first set of the evening. Not mere background music, but world class musicians playing their art form. They also host weekly events such as salsa classes.

The best way to see their upcoming events is on their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/latinquartersraleigh?fref=ts

We decided on the Avocado salad and a mixed green salad. Both were uber fresh and I loved how the avocado shell was used to house part of the salad. The appetizer was the very popular Puerto Rican Tostones Relleno. One with chicken and one with pork. The cilantro and spicy salsa complimented each other beautifully. The final Tour de Food in this culinary journey were entrees of Chuleta Kan Kan {Pork Chops}. These are not just any pork chop. The General manager and Latin Quarter “El Presidente”, Julio advised me they had to find a butcher and show him how to make the proper cut to achieve the exact ratio of meat to fat on the chop. It was bursting with flavor from the chimichurri sauce. The other entree we enjoyed was their Pollo a La Brasa, which is a classic grilled chicken with garlic and onions. Served with Yucca Mash & Vegetables. Perfect example of how a perfectly grilled chicken can be divine. It was a great start to the Raleigh Food and Wine event. Latin Quarter should be on your must do eats schedule. Pencil it in. Now.

Btw, they are having a incredible 4th of July party out front. It is not to be missed

Photographs of @Raleighfoodwine #RFWF @eatdrinkBabylon- #soNCsavvy Event Recap

June 29, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

The inaugural Raleigh Food and Wine Festival was a fabulous event! Delicious Food, Great Drinks and Wonderful people gathered for a spectacular taste of Raleigh! On Sunday, June 28, 2015 , all of the festival participants were present at the historic Melrose Knitting Mill and Babylon restaurant in downtown Raleigh to host a half-day “tasting celebration”, where ticket holders came to sample food and beverages from local restaurants, brands, breweries, and more!

This innovative event showcased the new, evolving culinary traditions of Raleigh, while giving back to Band Together, which has raised more than $3.5 million to benefit the Triangle community since its 2001 inception. VIP ticket holders received early entrance to beat the crowds and a complimentary cocktail. The weather was superb as was the fun loving crowd. The gourmet offerings were plentiful as were the various samples of wine and liquor. No one left hungry, that’s for sure ! My girlfriend and I (as seen here: https://instagram.com/p/4e-UwMqNE7/ ) really appreciated DJ Nyce Danger spinning the tunes so we could dance off the food ! Beautiful venue, great food and fun people. I cannot wait for next year !

Enjoy the pics

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
http://www.SobeSavvy.com
Follow Twitter/Instagram @IJust_LoveThis
Hashtag #soNCsavvy

Capital 16 Club’s pimento cheese peach preserves slab bacon

Blake & Kelly Stewart of Midtown a Mixes LLC. , HailMaryBloodyMaryMix.com

Contemporary patisserie from lucettegrace

Taco from Backyard Bistro

Cheers to Jim Pellegrini of Muddy Dog Roasting Co. http://www.muddydogcoffee.com

Chef Anthony Alvarez and Julio Marrero of Latin Quarters Restaurant & Bar

Seared Tuna from Bolt Bistro Steakhouse

Lauren Husketh , Events & Marketing Coordinator of Architect Bar

Sticky Toffee Pudding from Plates Neighborhood Kitchen

Get local favorites delivered to you with http://www.orderup.com!

Wine tastings courtesy of Adams Vineyards

Fiction Kitchen food sampling

The healthy online grocery store, http://www.relayfoods.com

Also check out my photo slideshow of the event! https://instagram.com/p/4fYlQbiXAg/

#OutandAboutAVA spends a “Marbleous” day @MarblesRaleigh @ImaxRaleigh #supportthefort #FamilyFun #Raleigh~#soNCsavvy Recap

June 18, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

*This post is dedicated to Dr. Seus and all the other nursery rhymers and poets out there. 🙂

This poem is called~
“Our Marbleous Day”

It was a hot , summer day…
so we headed to MARBLES Kids Museum to “Imagine. Discover. Learn.” And Play!

There are plenty of activities for the kid in all of us to explore.
My four year old learned thru playing and enjoyed activities galore!

The museum is organized, even sparked my inner child
Marbles really allows for ones imagination to run wild!

We made the most of our visit
and was prepared to spend the day
We saw a movie at Imax
And ate at Pogo Cafe!

We checked out the new Around Town Kitchen & Grocery
In partnership with Loews
Please go Support the FORT by 6/26
All donations will be matched by Moe’s!

We really enjoyed our visit
There is something for everyone
Here is my photo slideshow
Capturing all of our Family Fun!

https://instagram.com/p/4Evj19CXEL/

Win 2 Tix to @raleighfoodwine Tasting Celebration on Sun 6/28 @eatdrinkBabylon #DowntownRaleigh – #soNCsavvy #Giveaway #RFWF #raleighevents #rdu #triangle #NC

June 16, 2015SobeSavvy 14 Comments

Enter Now to Win 2 general admission tickets for the inaugural Raleigh Food and Wine Festival – taking place in Downtown Raleigh at Babylon Restaurant . Join SobeSavvy.com for a spectacular taste of Raleigh on Sunday, June 28,2015 from 1:00 pm to 5:00pm !

The Raleigh Food and Wine Festival is an innovative event that showcases the new, evolving culinary traditions of Raleigh, comprised of multiple events taking place at different participating restaurants, wine shops, patisseries and bakeries – featuring wine dinners and guest chefs.
The four-day program wraps up with a food and beverage tasting celebration at the historical Melrose Knitting Mill and Babylon in Downtown Raleigh. Get your tickets HERE : for the Sunday tasting celebration! Only 100 VIP tickets are available and will sell out quickly.

$1.00 from every general admission sold and $2.00 from every VIP ticket will be donated to Band Together, which has raised more than $3.5 million to benefit the Triangle community since its 2001 inception. The group exists to help change lives and have fun along the way. Click here to learn more about Band Together !

The Raleigh Food and Wine Festival is a four-day event highlighting of some of the most unique offerings in food and beverage in Raleigh, NC. The 2015 Festival takes place Thursday, June 25, 2015 through Sunday, June 28, 2015

Thursday through Saturday, explore a growing list of events held around town – including wine dinners and cooking classes put on by participating businesses. RSVP requirements and other details are provided on each event listing. One event in particular that caught my interest is Friday nights’ Latin Jazz & Dinner at Latin Quarters !

On Sunday, all of the festival participants gather at the historic Melrose Knitting Mill and Babylon restaurant in downtown Raleigh to host a half-day “tasting celebration”, where ticket holders can sample food and beverages from local restaurants, brands, breweries, and more.Tickets are required for this event and must be purchased in advance online.

PLEASE NOTE: All attendees MUST be 21 years of age or older by Sunday, June 28, 2015. Refunds will not be made at the door if tickets are purchased for anyone under 21 years old!

Parking is limited on-site, but there are several nearby decks, including the State Government Parking Deck at 329 N. McDowell Street. View all available parking at http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/get-around/parking.

TO WIN 2 General Admission TIX to Sunday’s Tasting Event, Leave a comment on the blog that says “entered” and Fill out my Wufoo Form Here

One winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, 6/23/15.

Check back here on SobeSavvy.com for this #soNCsavvy event recap!

Good Luck!

SobeSavvy

Sharing The Savvy Of My Life|Family,Food,Travel,Fun

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